Four Organizations who are Supporting Queer BIPOC Mental Health

by Haley Birt

May 26 will mark the 32nd anniversary of DC Black Pride. This historic event drew 800 people, raised money for HIV/AIDS organizations, and celebrated the beautiful and unique experience of QTBIPoC community members. Today, the DC Black Pride event continues to inspire celebrations across the country.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Historically, those identifying as queer or trans face greater challenges in finding adequate mental health support. For those in Black and Brown communities, LGBTQ-identifying individuals are at a higher risk of facing discrimination and mental health challenges.

When it comes to creating a more inclusive community where all members feel safe, curating both private and public spaces to support our individual and broader mental health is essential–especially for people of color.

This can look like monthly gatherings for Black women to rest, play, and be safe in connection. It may look like a round table for Two-Spirit individuals. It could even look like a youth summer camp aimed at engaging BIPOC communities’ youth. Whatever it is, creating safe spaces for QTBIPOCs is necessary for cultivating greater healing and broader inclusion.

For those who are seeking mental health support, looking to get involved, or hoping to find queer communities of color, here are four amazing organizations in and around Denver to check out.

Fortaleza Familiar

Fortaleza Familiar is a nonprofit organization committed to supporting the Indigenous, Chicanx, Latinx, queer, trans community in Colorado. Fortaleza Familiar was started by Mimi Madrid, a Denver local. Before the nonprofit's birth, Mimi worked with several organizations focused on the intersection of communities of color and LGBTQ liberation.

Fortaleza primarily provides support for youth and young adults within the Chicanx, Latinx, Indigenous community. As a part of its mission to support youth, Fortaleza Familiar also offers spaces for families of queer and trans youth. Here, families can learn how to best support their queer children or family members.

Fortaleza Familar regularly hosts events like queer leadership programs for Latinx and Indigenous youth, Two-Spirit round tables, and community gatherings to provide a safe space for young community members.

For those looking to connect with Fortaleza Familiar, you can find the organization at: Instagram: @Fortalezafamiliarco

Soul 2 Soul Sisters

Soul 2 Soul Sisters is a Denver-based organization that is working to transform communities by offering Black healing spaces for all women-identifying, trans, nonbinary, and queer folks, among many others. Soul 2 Soul Sisters is a womanist organization who is working towards liberation for everyone.

Although based in Denver, Soul 2 Soul Sisters has garnered an international audience and, therefore, can be found cultivating community both virtually and around Denver. Soul 2 Soul Sisters hosts monthly healing circles, Sista Soul Search Retreats and Facing Racism seminars for non-persons of color to become educated on anti-Black racism.

In addition to providing sacred spaces for Black individuals to find community, Soul 2 Soul Sisters also works to educate communities and individuals in combating Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome, identifying microaggressions and empowering the “divine Black feminine experience.”

For those looking to connect with the organization, they can be found online and on social platforms:

Instagram: @Soul2Soul Sisters

YouthSeen

YouthSeen is a Denver-based organization that is working to highlight intersections that many QTBIPOC communities face by addressing social issues. Their mission is to offer resources tailored to BIPOC and LGBTQ youth in and around Denver.

In recent years, YouthSeen has been a major organizer of Black Pride Colorado, an event dedicated to celebrating diversity and blackness in the queer community. YouthSeen also puts on an annual summer camp specifically for Queer youth. Their no-camper-turned-away policy helps to ensure that access to the camp is accessible to everyone.

Additionally, YouthSeen offers specific training, workshops, and presentations to organizations looking to increase support for QTBIPOC Community members.

Find YouthSeen on Instagram: @Youth_Seen